Maxi Taxi Operators Begin Three-Day Shutdown — Passengers, Schools, Businesses Face Significant Disruptions
Thousands of commuters across Trinidad could be left stranded today (Monday 1st June, 2026) as the country’s maxi taxi operators proceed full speed ahead with a planned three-day shutdown, to protest what they say are years of neglect and unresolved issues. The move is expected to disrupt schools, workplaces and businesses, involving more than 5,000 operators.
While many passengers fear the impact of the strike, maxi taxi representatives insist they have been pushed to the breaking point.
Commuters already faced significant disruptions this morning as the Trinidad and Tobago Maxi Taxi Association began the three-day protest over several issues, including current speed limits.
Today, thousands of commuters across Trinidad could be left stranded as the country's maxi taxi operators prepare to slam the brakes on service.
— CNC3TV (@CNC3TV) June 1, 2026
In a move expected to disrupt schools, workplaces and businesses, more than 5,000 operators are planning a three-day shutdown to… pic.twitter.com/E25BoNSwcG
By 6:30 AM, the Port-of-Spain City Gate transport hub, usually crowded with Red Band maxis, stood virtually empty. Similar scenes unfolded at the Morvant and San Juan junctions, where scores of commuters gathered while seeking alternative transport.
The disruption this morning followed the Association’s decision to withdraw service from today until Wednesday (3rd June, 2026).
Despite the maxi taxi protest, conventional taxis continued operating in Port-of-Spain and West Trinidad. Port-of-Spain and Chaguanas minibuses were also available for passengers at their Independence Square stand, while Sangre Grande maxis operated from Henry Street.
At the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) hub in Port-of-Spain, long queues formed for Arima, Chaguanas and Chaguaramas services. Around 6:05 AM, PTSC announced delays on those routes. When buses arrived after 6:15 AM, they quickly filled to capacity and departed.
The PTSC’s San Fernando coach left at 6:30 AM half full, while a limited-stop San Fernando service departed shortly afterwards at 6:40 AM.
The City Gate hub, where Red Band maxis typically drop off and collect passengers before lining up for additional fares, remained noticeably deserted throughout the period.
The PBR, usually busy with maxi taxis during the morning rush, was also largely empty, with only a handful of Red Band vehicles seen entering Port-of-Spain or travelling East.
Large numbers of commuters were seen continuing to wait for transport at the Morvant and San Juan junctions, while the queue for PTSC’s Arima service also swelled.
Meanwhile, traffic heading into Port-of-Spain along the Uriah Butler Highway was bumper-to-bumper, while Southbound traffic flowed at its normal pace.
More on this as it becomes available.
[Source: T&T Guardian]
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